Piezoelectric sensors based on molecular imprinted polymers for detection of low molecular mass analytes

Room-Temperature Monitoring of CH4 and CO2 Using a Metal-Organic Framework-Based QCM Sensor Showing Inherent Analyte Discrimination

The detection of methane and carbon dioxide is of growing importance due to their negative impact on global warming. This is true for both environmental monitoring and leak detection in industrial processes. Although solid-state sensors are technologically mature, they have limitations that prohibit their use in certain situations, e.g., explosive atmospheres. Thus, there is a need to develop new types of sensor materials. Herein, we demonstrate a simple, low-cost, metal-organic framework (MOF)-based gas leak detection sensor. The system is based on gravimetric sensing by using a quartz crystal microbalance. The quartz crystal is functionalized by layer-by-layer growth of a thin metal-organic framework film. This film shows selective uptake of methane or carbon dioxide under atmospheric conditions. The hardware has low cost, simple operation, and theoretically high sensitivity. Overall, the sensor is characterized by simplicity and high robustness. Furthermore, by exploiting the different adsorption kinetics as measured by multiple harmonic analyses, it is possible to discriminate whether the response is due to methane or carbon dioxide. In summary, we demonstrate data relevant toward new applications of metal-organic frameworks and microporous hybrid materials in sensing.

Advances in Detection of Antibiotic Pollutants in Aqueous Media Using Molecular Imprinting Technique-A Review

Antibiotics constitute one of the emerging categories of persistent organic pollutants, characterised by their expansion of resistant pathogens. Antibiotic pollutants create a major public health challenge, with already identifiable detrimental effects on human and animal health. A fundamental aspect of controlling and preventing the spread of pollutants is the continuous screening and monitoring of environmental samples. Molecular imprinting is a state-of-the-art technique for designing robust biomimetic receptors called molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), which mimic natural biomolecules in target-selective recognition. When integrated with an appropriate sensor transducer, MIP demonstrates a potential for the needed environmental monitoring, thus justifying the observed rise in interest in this field of research. This review examines scientific interventions within the last decade on the determination of antibiotic water pollutants using MIP receptors interfaced with label-free sensing platforms, with an expanded focus on optical, piezoelectric, and electrochemical systems. Following these, the review evaluates the analytical performance of outstanding MIP-based sensors for environmentally significant antibiotics, while highlighting the importance of computational chemistry in functional monomer selection and the strategies for signal amplification and performance improvement. Lastly, the review points out the future trends in antibiotic MIP research, as it transits from a proof of concept to the much demanded commercially available entity.

Antibody immobilization techniques in mass sensitive immunosensor: enhanced sensitivity through limited mass load

Background:

Biosensors are analytical devices that include a sample-delivery approach between a biological recognition element and a transducer required to convert the physicochemical change produced from the interaction of biological molecules-receptor interaction into signal. The immunosensor is a special type of biosensors that includes an antibody as a biorecognition element to detect analyte as antigens. In mass-sensitive sensors, antigen-antibody interactions can be specified by measuring the frequency change and most commonly knowns are surface acoustic wave, bulk acoustic wave, quartz crystal microbalance and microcantilevers.

Methods:

Different methods for antibody immobilization including functionalization of the transducer surface with specific groups have been reported for antibody immobilization. This stage affects the limit of detection and overall performance. In this review, perspectives on immobilization strategies of mass sensitive immunosensors according to transducer types will be presented. The choice of immobilization methods and their impact on performance in terms of capture molecule loading, orientation and signal improvement is will also be discussed.

Results:

One of the most critical point during configuration of the biorecognition layer is to improve the sensitivity. Therefore, we initially focused on comparisons of the antibody immobilization strategies in the biorecognition layer in terms of mass load level and high sensitivity.

Conclusion:

The lack of significant data on the mass accumulations up to the functionalization and antibody immobilization steps, which are the basis of immusensor production, has been identified. However, mass sensitive immunosensors have the potential to become more common and effective analytical devices for many application areas.

Pivotal role of electrospun nanofibers in microfluidic diagnostic systems - a review

Recently, the usage of electrospinning technology for the fabrication of fine fibers with a good deal of variation in morphology and structure has drawn the attention of many researchers around the world. These fibers have found their way in the many fields of science including medical diagnosis, tissue engineering, drug delivery, replica molding, solar cells, catalysts, energy conversion and storage, physical and chemical sensors and other applications. Among all applications, biosensing with the aim of rapid and sensitive biomarker detection is an area that warrants attention. Electrospun nanofibrous membranes enjoy numerous factors which benefit them to be used as potential candidates in biosensing platforms. Some of these factors include a high surface to volume ratio, analogous scale compared to bioactive molecules and relatively defect-free properties of nanofibers (NFs). In this review, we focused on the recent advances in electrospun nanofibrous membrane-based micro-analytical devices with an application as diagnostic systems. Hence, a study on the electrospun nanofiber usage in lab-on-a-chip and paper-based point-of-care devices, with an opening introduction to biosensors, nanofibers, the electrospinning method, and microfluidics as the principles of the intended subject, is provided. It is anticipated that the given examples in this paper will provide sufficient evidence for the potential of electrospun NFs for being used as a substrate in the commercial fabrication of highly sensitive and selective biosensors.

Evaluation of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers as Synthetic Virus Neutralizing Antibody Mimics

Rapid development of antibody-based therapeutics are crucial to the agenda of innovative manufacturing of macromolecular therapies to combat emergent diseases. Although highly specific, antibody therapies are costly to produce. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) constitute a rapidly-evolving class of antigen-recognition materials that act as synthetic antibodies. We report here on the virus neutralizing capacity of hydrogel-based MIPs. We produced MIPs using porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV-1), as a model mammalian virus. Assays were performed to evaluate the specificity of virus neutralization, the effect of incubation time and MIP concentration. Polyacrylamide and N-hydroxymethylacrylamide based MIPs produced a highly significant reduction in infectious viral titer recovered after treatment, reducing it to the limit of detection of the assay. MIP specificity was tested by comparing their neutralizing effects on PRRSV-1 to the effects on the unrelated bovine viral diarrhea virus-1; no significant cross-reactivity was observed. The MIPs demonstrated effective virus neutralization in just 2.5 min and their effect was concentration dependent. These data support the further evaluation of MIPs as synthetic antibodies as a novel approach to the treatment of viral infection.

Recent Advances in Biosensors Based Nanostructure for Pharmaceutical Analysis

Background:

The development of novel nanostructures for pharmaceutical analysis has received great attention. Biosensors are a class of analytical techniques competent in the rapid quantification of drugs. Recently, the nanostructures have been applied for modification of biosensors.

Objective:

The goal of the present study is to review novel nanostructures for pharmaceutical analysis by biosensors.

Method:

In this review, the application of different biosensors was extensively discussed.

Results:

Biosensors based nanostructures are a powerful alternative to conventional analytical techniques, enabling highly sensitive, real-time, and high-frequency monitoring of drugs without extensive sample preparation. Several examples of their application have been reported.

Conclusion:

The present paper reviews the recent advances on the pharmaceutical analysis of biosensor based nanostructures.

Label-Free Bioanalyte Detection from Nanometer to Micrometer Dimensions-Molecular Imprinting and QCMs †

Modern diagnostic tools and immunoassay protocols urges direct analyte recognition based on its intrinsic behavior without using any labeling indicator. This not only improves the detection reliability, but also reduces sample preparation time and complexity involved during labeling step. Label-free biosensor devices are capable of monitoring analyte physiochemical properties such as binding sensitivity and selectivity, affinity constants and other dynamics of molecular recognition. The interface of a typical biosensor could range from natural antibodies to synthetic receptors for example molecular imprinted polymers (MIPs). The foremost advantages of using MIPs are their high binding selectivity comparable to natural antibodies, straightforward synthesis in short time, high thermal/chemical stability and compatibility with different transducers. Quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) resonators are leading acoustic devices that are extensively used for mass-sensitive measurements. Highlight features of QCM devices include low cost fabrication, room temperature operation, and most importantly ability to monitor extremely low mass shifts, thus potentially a universal transducer. The combination of MIPs with quartz QCM has turned out as a prominent sensing system for label-free recognition of diverse bioanalytes. In this article, we shall encompass the potential applications of MIP-QCM sensors exclusively label-free recognition of bacteria and virus species as representative micro and nanosized bioanalytes.

Molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticle-based assay (MINA): application for fumonisin B1 determination

The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been used as a standard tool for monitoring food and animal feed contamination from the carcinogenic fumonisin B1 (FB1).

Integrating fluorescent molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) sensor particles with a modular microfluidic platform for nanomolar small-molecule detection directly in aqueous samples

Fluorescent sensory MIP (molecularly imprinted polymer) particles were combined with a droplet-based 3D microfluidic system for the selective determination of a prototype small-molecule analyte of environmental concern, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid or 2,4-D, at nanomolar concentration directly in water samples. A tailor-made fluorescent indicator cross-linker was thus designed that translates the binding event directly into an enhanced fluorescence signal. The phenoxazinone-type cross-linker was co-polymerized into a thin MIP layer grafted from the surface of silica microparticles following a RAFT (reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer) polymerization protocol. While the indicator cross-linker outperformed its corresponding monomer twin, establishment of a phase-transfer protocol was essential to guarantee that the hydrogen bond-mediated signalling mechanism between the urea binding site on the indicator cross-linker and the carboxylate group of the analyte was still operative upon real sample analysis. The latter was achieved by integration of the fluorescent core-shell MIP sensor particles into a modular microfluidic platform that allows for an in-line phase-transfer assay, extracting the analyte from aqueous sample droplets into the organic phase that contains the sensor particles. Real-time fluorescence determination of 2,4-D down to 20nM was realized with the system and applied for the analysis of various surface water samples collected from different parts of the world.

Molecular Imprinting Technology in Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) Sensors

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) as artificial antibodies have received considerable scientific attention in the past years in the field of (bio)sensors since they have unique features that distinguish them from natural antibodies such as robustness, multiple binding sites, low cost, facile preparation and high stability under extreme operation conditions (higher pH and temperature values, etc.). On the other hand, the Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) is an analytical tool based on the measurement of small mass changes on the sensor surface. QCM sensors are practical and convenient monitoring tools because of their specificity, sensitivity, high accuracy, stability and reproducibility. QCM devices are highly suitable for converting the recognition process achieved using MIP-based memories into a sensor signal. Therefore, the combination of a QCM and MIPs as synthetic receptors enhances the sensitivity through MIP process-based multiplexed binding sites using size, 3D-shape and chemical function having molecular memories of the prepared sensor system toward the target compound to be detected. This review aims to highlight and summarize the recent progress and studies in the field of (bio)sensor systems based on QCMs combined with molecular imprinting technology.

Selective vancomycin detection using optical fibre long period gratings functionalised with molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles

An optical fibre long period grating (LPG) sensor modified with molecularly imprinted polymer nanoparticles (nanoMIPs) for the specific detection of antibiotics is presented. The operation of the sensor is based on the measurement of changes in refractive index induced by the interaction of nanoMIPs deposited onto the cladding of the LPG with free vancomycin (VA). The binding of nanoMIPs to vancomycin was characterised by a binding constant of 4.3 ± 0.1 × 10(-8) M. The lowest concentration of analyte measured by the fibre sensor was 10 nM. In addition, the sensor exhibited selectivity, as much smaller responses were obtained for high concentrations (∼700 μM) of other commonly prescribed antibiotics such as amoxicillin, bleomycin and gentamicin. In addition, the response of the sensor was characterised in a complex matrix, porcine plasma, spiked with 10 μM of VA.

Molecular imprinting science and technology: a survey of the literature for the years 2004-2011

Herein, we present a survey of the literature covering the development of molecular imprinting science and technology over the years 2004-2011. In total, 3779 references to the original papers, reviews, edited volumes and monographs from this period are included, along with recently identified uncited materials from prior to 2004, which were omitted in the first instalment of this series covering the years 1930-2003. In the presentation of the assembled references, a section presenting reviews and monographs covering the area is followed by sections describing fundamental aspects of molecular imprinting including the development of novel polymer formats. Thereafter, literature describing efforts to apply these polymeric materials to a range of application areas is presented. Current trends and areas of rapid development are discussed.

Real-time multianalyte biosensors based on interference-free multichannel monolithic quartz crystal microbalance

In this work, we design, fabricate and characterize a new interference-free multichannel monolithic quartz crystal microbalance (MQCM) platform for bio-sensing applications. Firstly, interference due to thickness-shear vibration mode coupling between channels in MQCM array is effectively suppressed by interposing a polydimethylsiloxane wall between adjacent QCM electrodes on a quartz substrate to form inverted-mesa-like structure. In addition, the electrical coupling due to the electrical impedance of solution is diminished by extending the flow path between them with an extended-design flow channel. The electrical testing results show that individual QCM signal is unaffected by those of adjacent channels under liquid loading, signifying the achievement of interference-free MQCM. The MQCM is applied for multi-analyte biosensing of IgG and HSA. The anti-IgG and anti-HSA are separately immobilized on two adjacent QCM electrodes, which are subsequently blocked with BSA to avoid unspecific binding. The MQCM biosensors are tested with single- and double-analyte solutions under continuous flow of buffer. The IgG and HSA QCM sensors only show frequency shift responses to their corresponding analytes and there are very small cross frequency shifts due to remnant unspecific binding. Moreover, MQCM sensors show approximately linear frequency shift response with analyte concentration. Therefore, the developed MQCM platform is promising for real-time interference-free label-free detection and quantification of multiple bio-analytes.

A novel approach to identify molecular binding to the influenza virus H5N1: screening using molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs)

We investigate whether a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) of influenza A H5N1 could be used to help identify molecules capable of binding to, and inhibiting the function of the virus,viaeither competitive or allosteric mechanisms.

Electrochemical aptasensors for microbial and viral pathogens

Aptamers are DNA and RNA oligonucleotides that can bind to a variety of nonnucleic acid targets with high affinity and specificity. Pathogen detection is a promising area in aptamer research. One of its major advantages is the ability of the aptamers to target and specifically differentiate microbial and viral strains without previous knowledge of the membrane-associated antigenic determinants or molecular biomarkers present in that particular microorganism. Electrochemical sensors emerged as a promising field in the area of aptamer research and pathogen detection. An electrochemical sensor is a device that combines a recognition element and an electrochemical transduction unit, where aptamers represent the latest addition to the large catalog of recognition elements. This chapter summarizes and evaluates recent developments of electrochemical aptamer-based sensors for microbial and viral pathogen detection, viability assessment of microorganisms, bacterial typing, identification of epitope-specific aptamers, affinity measurement between aptamers and their respective targets, and estimation of the degree of aptamer protection of oncolytic viruses for therapeutic purposes.

Application of molecularly imprinted hydrogel for the preparation of lactose-free milk

BACKGROUND

A variety of lactose imprinted hydrogels were prepared and their binding properties were studied in comparison with blank non-imprinted hydrogel. Methacrylamide and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate were used as functional monomer and cross-linker, respectively. Dimethylsulfoxide was also applied as polymerisation solvent.

RESULTS

Different template/monomer ratios were studied and the optimised imprinted hydrogel (MIP₂), with a lactose/methacrylamide ratio of 1:8, was selected in a rebinding test. In Scatchard analysis of MIP₂-lactose interactions, the dissociation constant and maximum binding sites were 0.33 mmol L⁻¹ and 67.76 µmol g⁻¹ hydrogel, respectively. The selectivity of MIP₂ for lactose in aqueous media was also evaluated in comparison with different mono- and disaccharides. The data showed that the affinity of MIP₂ for lactose is significantly higher than other saccharides. The imprinted hydrogel was finally used as a sorbent for separation of lactose from milk.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicated that MIP₂, as an optimised imprinted hydrogel, can effectively bind lactose and decrease its concentration in milk.

Molecularly imprinted polymers: present and future prospective

Molecular Imprinting Technology (MIT) is a technique to design artificial receptors with a predetermined selectivity and specificity for a given analyte, which can be used as ideal materials in various application fields. Molecularly Imprinted Polymers (MIPs), the polymeric matrices obtained using the imprinting technology, are robust molecular recognition elements able to mimic natural recognition entities, such as antibodies and biological receptors, useful to separate and analyze complicated samples such as biological fluids and environmental samples. The scope of this review is to provide a general overview on MIPs field discussing first general aspects in MIP preparation and then dealing with various application aspects. This review aims to outline the molecularly imprinted process and present a summary of principal application fields of molecularly imprinted polymers, focusing on chemical sensing, separation science, drug delivery and catalysis. Some significant aspects about preparation and application of the molecular imprinting polymers with examples taken from the recent literature will be discussed. Theoretical and experimental parameters for MIPs design in terms of the interaction between template and polymer functionalities will be considered and synthesis methods for the improvement of MIP recognition properties will also be presented.

A review of monolithic multichannel quartz crystal microbalance: a review

Monolithic multichannel quartz crystal microbalance (MQCM) is an emerging technology for advanced sensing and measurement applications. In this report, a comprehensive review of MQCM technology is presented. Firstly, basic MQCM's design, simulation and characterization with emphasis on acoustic interference are described. Next, various MQCM schemes to minimize interference and enhance sensitivity of conventional MQCM devices based on modification of quartz substrate structure are digested. These include mesa, convex and x-axis inversion structures. Three important MQCM sensing platforms and their application areas are then discussed. These comprise MQCM as a static multichannel detector, series MQCM as a multichannel detector for the flow injection analysis and multi-frequency QCM for multi-sensitivity/multi-dynamic range detection. Finally, potential MQCM applications including electronic noses, bio-sensor arrays, and photocatatalytic measurement are illustrated and prospective MQCM applications including electronic tongues and electrochemical measurement are suggested.

Electrochemical sensor for catechol and dopamine based on a catalytic molecularly imprinted polymer-conducting polymer hybrid recognition element

One of the difficulties with using molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and other electrically insulating materials as the recognition element in electrochemical sensors is the lack of a direct path for the conduction of electrons from the active sites to the electrode. We have sought to address this problem through the preparation and characterization of novel hybrid materials combining a catalytic MIP, capable of oxidizing the template, catechol, with an electrically conducting polymer. In this way a network of "molecular wires" assists in the conduction of electrons from the active sites within the MIP to the electrode surface. This was made possible by the design of a new monomer that combines orthogonal polymerizable functionality; comprising an aniline group and a methacrylamide. Conducting films were prepared on the surface of electrodes (Au on glass) by electropolymerization of the aniline moiety. A layer of MIP was photochemically grafted over the polyaniline, via N,N'-diethyldithiocarbamic acid benzyl ester (iniferter) activation of the methacrylamide groups. Detection of catechol by the hybrid-MIP sensor was found to be specific, and catechol oxidation was detected by cyclic voltammetry at the optimized operating conditions: potential range -0.6 V to +0.8 V (vs Ag/AgCl), scan rate 50 mV/s, PBS pH 7.4. The calibration curve for catechol was found to be linear to 144 microM, with a limit of detection of 228 nM. Catechol and dopamine were detected by the sensor, whereas analogues and potentially interfering compounds, including phenol, resorcinol, hydroquinone, serotonin, and ascorbic acid, had minimal effect (< or = 3%) on the detection of either analyte. Non-imprinted hybrid electrodes and bare gold electrodes failed to give any response to catechol at concentrations below 0.5 mM. Finally, the catalytic properties of the sensor were characterized by chronoamperometry and were found to be consistent with Michaelis-Menten kinetics.